Do you find yourself being constantly taken advantage of? Have your friends and family confronted you about being a doormat? If so, then this article will be most helpful to you.

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Steps

1

Think about the individual(s) manipulating you. Is it a group of people, or just one person? If you are dealing with a group of people, it is best to confront either the leader of the group or the weakest person in the group.

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2

Ask yourself: "What causes me to be manipulated?" Perhaps you have a tough time saying no, period. Or you feel sorry for this person. Either way, you have recognized that this person will not do you any good.

3

Speak to family or friends who are present when you get taken advantage of. What are some behaviors that often occur between you are the other person(s)? Alternatively, you could try to observe the situation yourself, but getting opinions from others is more helpful.

4

When this person(s) asks you to do something you do not want to do, simply refuse. This can be very difficult at first, but you have to understand that no good will come out of it for either of you. Once you say no, the person will most likely be very surprised.

5

If you are continually pressured to do something unpleasant, say no and walk away. Do not allow the person(s) to coerce you.

6

Confront the person. It is best to do this in a private place. Explain that you do not want to let yourself be controlled. However, you should also mention that you still want to continue the friendship, as long as this person is willing to change their behavior.

Most of the time, this person will not want to continue the relationship. Do not be depressed about this. Recognize the fact that your life was not improved at all by this person.

7

Use your experiences to aid you in the future. Learn how to detect early signs of manipulative behavior. For example, a person like this will want to influence your appearance. They will constantly give you "suggestions" as to how you should change your looks and personality. Some examples of this are:

Please be as detailed as possible in your explanation. We will take your detailed information, edit it for clarity and accuracy, and incorporate it into an article that will help thousands of people.Don't say: Eat more fats.Do say: Add fats with some nutritional value to the foods you already eat. Try olive oil, butter, avocado, and mayonnaise.

Tips

Warnings

Not everyone is out to get you. Learn how to tell well-meant advice from words meant to control you. This is why getting an opinion from a third party is helpful.

If you are a child or teen, do not get teachers or parents involved in the situation unless you feel seriously threatened. Doing so unnecessarily will cause you to be labeled as a "snitch" or a "wimp."

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